2019 Kia Forte vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 Kia Forte presented a fresh design that, at first glance, might have seemed like a mere facelift, but it was indeed an all-new generation. It retained its familiar jellybean-like shape and a front-end design that was both plucky and slightly menacing. The side of the vehicle featured a subtle "swoop," while the taillight band connecting each side above the license plate was a less favored design element. Overall, the Forte's design was more mature compared to its predecessors, with additional small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills. Inside, the Forte's cabin was contemporary and high-tech, with influences from the sporty Kia Stinger, including a sport steering wheel and floating touchscreen. The instrument panel's crisp look bore hints of Audi's small car design, a nod to Kia's head of design, Peter Schreyer, who previously worked at Audi.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, echoed the design of the E-Class from two generations prior, with a rounded, smooth body. While some found it too streamlined, its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan's hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille were traditional Mercedes touches, while most models featured a sport grille with a large emblem. The E-Class's fluid form was particularly striking on the cabriolet, and the interior boasted multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, creating a delightful atmosphere, while the base model's leatherette and standard seats felt superior to others in its segment.

The 2019 Kia Forte was equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Kia referred to as an iVT. The CVT provided an immediate throttle response, making the Forte quick off the line and capable of confident highway passing. Its handling was impressive, with precise steering and minimal body roll, while maintaining a comfortable ride over rough roads. The Forte's Drive Mode Selector allowed drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, optimizing comfort, acceleration, and throttle response. Fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT-equipped Forte achieving 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. While the E350 was quick off the line, its performance waned above 40 mph. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing a more balanced and effortless driving experience. AMG models, such as the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power, with the E53's hybrid setup producing 429 horsepower and the E63 S's twin-turbo V8 delivering 603 horsepower. Fuel economy varied across the lineup, with estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2019 Kia Forte's dimensions grew slightly, resulting in a noticeably larger interior. The front seat offered ample legroom, though headroom was tight for occupants over 6 feet tall. The backseat provided adequate headroom and legroom for taller passengers, as long as the front seats weren't fully reclined. The Forte's trunk space was impressive, with 15.3 cubic feet, and the EX trim featured a smart trunk system for hands-free access.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while not featuring the latest MBUX infotainment system, offered a complex COMAND system on its large screens. The lack of touchscreens made it cumbersome to use, with multiple input methods and menus. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality, with seat controls on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The coupe's rear seat was usable, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The E-Class provided excellent sightlines and a high-resolution digital dash, making it a comfortable and practical choice.

The 2019 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch UVO touchscreen, offering an intuitive layout with vivid colors and fonts. Physical buttons and conventional tuning and volume dials enhanced the user experience. Kia's UVO e-services provided features like enhanced roadside assistance and vehicle diagnostics, accessible via a smartphone app.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane-changing and obstacle avoidance. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with other Mercedes models, customizable digital displays, and a Burmester stereo with surround-sound modes. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, added novelty, while AMG models included a Track Pace app for track guidance.

The 2019 Kia Forte offered standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Additional safety features included a reversing camera, traction control, and airbags. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was particularly effective, providing active steering inputs to keep the car centered.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models, while untested, were expected to perform similarly. Mercedes offered innovative safety features, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.